Wilson challenges Scarlet starlets

Danny Wilson has urged Wales' under-20 starlets to take the next step into senior regional rugby.

The Scarlets forwards coach stepped down from his role in charge of Wales Under-20 following their second-place finish at the Junior World Championship.

But he is confident a host of the impressive youngsters can make a major impression on the regional stage at Parc y Scarlets.

"Obviously Jordan has been spoken about a lot, he is quite a talent, but there are a number of players from that squad who can come through," said Wilson.

"I was really impressed by Steff Hughes at centre. We lost Corey Allen before the tournament and we thought that was going to be a huge boots to fill, but Steff stepped up and did an excellent job.

"Scrum-half Rhodri Williams had a superb World Cup. He is a player who is mature beyond his years and it feels like you are dealing with a seasoned 25 or 26-year-old pro not a 20-year-old kid. He also has the experience of playing Heineken Cup two seasons ago.

"Up front you have got the likes of Carwyn Jones in the second row, Gareth Thomas in the front row, guys who played a lot of rugby during that tournament and the Six Nations and who I am sure will come through for the Scarlets in the next couple of years."

Wilson admits the rookies will face serious competition for places but he is confident they will reap the rewards of the selection battles.

"It will be tough for them to make the breakthrough, but that is how it should be," added Wilson.

"They are going to be putting themselves against some good players and will have to earn their opportunity, but because in Wales we are reliant on these boys coming through they will get that opportunity."

Actor and Millennium Stadium Tour Guide Gareth Bale has been performing his one-man play about Wales rugby legend Ray Gravell across Wales. He chats to WRU TV before taking his show to the Edinburgh Festival.

Coach Richard Hodges is hoping Wales U20 can put a disappointing campaign behind them when they tackle Japan tomorrow as they look to finish the U20 Championship strongly to secure a good seeding for next year's tournament.

Wales U20 coach Richard Hodges is targeting three wins from three games in the Under 20 Championship after suffering defeat to England on Saturday. However, as WRU TV's Liz Jones discovers, he is concerned about the threat Japan pose tomorrow.

Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards is looking for physical and mental toughness from the 47-man World Cup training squad which was revealed yesterday and he added he is looking forward to seeing which players are prepared to dig the deepest.

WRU Head of Rugby gives the overview on the move of girls rugby to the spring and summer in this week's Principality Welsh Rugby Union Podcast. We also hear from former Wales international Philippa Tuttiett, while BBC Cymru Wales director Rhodri Talfan Davies welcomes the deal which keeps the Six Nations on free-to-air television. Wales Sevens player Will Thomas looks forward to the Fosters National Sevens, while Stephen Jones talks about his return to the Scarlets as backs coach.

Foster's 7s champions Llandovery have been drawn against fellow Scarlets regional side Carmarthen Quins in Round One of the third WRU Foster's National 7s, which will take place at the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday 30 August.

Wales prop Nicky Smith had some good news to celebrate in the mountains of Switzerland this week as the Ospreys announced he has secured his long-term future at the Welsh region by singing a four year contract.

Cardiff Blues U18 Girls will go into Sunday's Gemau Cymru with an extra spring in their step after Welsh internationals Elinor Snowsill and Philippa Tuttiett offered some last minute tips at a training session earlier this week.